Gastroenterology is a medical branch that studies the gastrointestinal tract and the diseases related to it. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats severe digestive conditions such as colon polyps, colon cancer, colonitis, hepatitis, gallbladder disease, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer disease, etc. A gastroenterologist uses various techniques to cure these diseases, the most prominent of which is endoscopy. This involves entering a small camera with a light through a long thin tube, which helps to examine the problem so that a diagnosis can be done.
Gastroenterologists are intensely trained by recognised experts in the field and develop a detailed understanding of gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroenterologists also learn how to perform advanced endoscopic procedures such as polypectomy (removal of colon polyps), oesophageal and intestinal dilation (stretching of narrowed areas), and haemostasis (injection or cautery to stop bleeding). Some Gastroenterologists also receive directed training in advanced procedures using endoscopes such as endoscopic biliary examination, removal of tumours without surgery etc....Read more